Fort Smith vs Van Buren: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between Fort Smith, AR and Van Buren, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fort Smith, AR | Van Buren, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $84,544▲ | $78,476 |
| Hourly Rate | $40.65▲ | $37.73 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,837 | $55,626▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $72,221▲ | $65,113 |
| 75th Percentile | $100,527▲ | $91,146 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $129,811▲ | $103,935 |
| Total Employed | 150▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Fort Smith, AR offers better overall compensation for speech-language pathologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Van Buren.
The salary gap between Fort Smith and Van Buren is $6,068 (7.73%). Fort Smith's median is -16.93% compared to the US national median of $101,775.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fort Smith spans $76,974,Van Buren spans $48,309. Fort Smith has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Fort Smith ($98,435 effective) pays 9.00% more than Van Buren ($90,306 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fort Smith if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($84,544/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($129,811)
- ✓Larger job market (150 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $98,435)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Van Buren if…
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, speech-language pathologist salaries in Fort Smith grew 54.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 19.9% growth in Van Buren over the same period.
Fort Smith, AR
$52,520 (2019) → $81,300 (2025)
Van Buren, AR
$62,917 (2024) → $75,465 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Smith, AR
Van Buren, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Fort Smith or Van Buren?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fort Smith and Van Buren?
Should I relocate from Fort Smith to Van Buren as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Fort Smith vs Van Buren?
Written by Jordan Lee, CCC-SLP
Career Analyst
Jordan has over 8 years of experience in speech-language pathology. He specializes in pediatric language disorders. He works in a community health clinic.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.99% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, CCC-SLP, a licensed speech-language pathologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov